Ben Cardin actually said...

"This issue is very important to me and it's a very personal issue to me."

"If I am confirmed, the issue of human rights and promotion of democracy will be a critical element of my mission."

"I particularly mention Estonia, because Estonia has been a successful country in using the OSCE format in dealing with its Russian-speaking minority."

"There appears to be a willingness to talk more openly about these issues, and Serbia is trying to become the leader; chair an office in the OSCE."